Anime: Hakuouki Shinsengumi Kitan

(Y/n)'s POV

Looking back in time, I reminisced my first meeting with the man that had changed everything. His seemingly nonchalant actions had turned my life around, leaving me indebted to him forever.

However, this peace was short-lived. The tax collectors, their figures materialised as the darkness hiding discreetly in the shadows, did not and would not leave my sister and I alone.

With her being only ten years of age, I was responsible to act as a parent. Our parents had given their lives to save us but to no vail as the darkness never left our side.

Unsheathing my katana, I stood facing the five men that had us surrounded. Cowering behind me, my sister grabbed onto my sleeve, her hands trembling noticeably.

Lifting my gaze up to the leader, I glared daggers into his eyes. He seemed slightly shaken by my bravery but did not let reason control his anger. I found this quite irritating.

Our family had indeed lived a fairly normal life until our father decided to gamble away what little we had left in our measly fortune...and these men were here for the rest of the money that he owed them.

"How many years has it been? Two?" he asked.

"Our father's debt has absolutely nothing to do with us. We weren't told of his gambling addictions."

"Well, too bad. You two are the only ones left in his family."

"I'm sorry to disappoint you but we don't have the money, so might I ask that you 'get lost'?"

"You stupid girl! Boys, get them."

"(sister's name), stand back."

I dodged the first man's blade as he slashed through thin air. Deflecting his next attack, I quickly stabbed my katana into his stomach before moving onto the next target.

Although it was clear that they had trained to use the sword, their movements were somewhat amateurish and rushed. It was perhaps their speed or strength that made up for their lack of skill.

Panting, I turned to the fourth man. He was significantly better than the first three, making me curse my luck. Suddenly, I heard a scream behind me as (s/n) was pulled up by the leader.

"Let her go!"

"Hand us the money and we'll leave you two alone," he exclaimed.

"We don't have-"

The other man held a short sword to my throat. Daring not to move, I growled in frustration. Unexpectedly, a spear flew straight into my capturer's chest, releasing me from his grasp.

My eyes flashed in recognition as our mysterious saviour strode into the scene. He pulled his spear out from the man's body and held out a hand for me to take.

I hesitantly reached out and placed my hand on his, letting him pull me up. He turned to face the leader, who still had my sister in his hold. Praying for her safety, I stood with my head held high for fear that my worry may show.

"Bullying young girls, that's not very nice. How much do they owe you?"

"I'll be surprised if they can pay it back while they're still alive, but what's a man from the Shinsengumi gonna do about it?"

"That much, huh?..."

"Of course. If you leave us be, then I'll pretend you didn't kill one of my men."

"Is it only you that they owe?"

"Do you always ask so many questions?! Of course it's only me but others will easily take my place."

"Then all I need to do is kill you and make sure that the word doesn't spread. What a simple solution...I should've done this two years ago..."

Running towards him, he pushed his spear into the leader's heart. I immediately pulled (s/n) into a hug, tears brimming my eyes as she shook in my arms. Reluctantly pulling away to inspect her for injuries, a relieved smile graced my face as I found none.

"Thank you so much."

I lowered my head as he looked at me. My sister followed my actions and bowed.

"There's no need to do that."

"We didn't even get to thank you enough for last time..."

"No, you've already done more than enough."

"Hmm? How?"

"Oi Sano, where did you run off to?"

"Sorry," he apologised.

"Oh, (Y/n)-chan. Nice to see you again," Heisuke greeted.

"Hey Heisuke."

"Sano, you should've told me you were coming to help her."

"Sorry, Heisuke. I just didn't want to waste any time."

Sanosuke's POV

Turning to look at (Y/n) and her sister, I smiled. (Y/n) returned my smile with a gentle grin while (s/n) shyly hid behind her. I laughed. Heisuke reached over and held the young girl above his head, making her giggle.

"Ne (Y/n)-chan, can I play with her for a while?" he asked.

"Sure, but make sure she doesn't get out of your sight."

"Don't worry, I'll look after her."

Turning to grab (Y/n)'s hand, I led her into town. It had been two years since I last saw her with Heisuke. Saving her from those rouge samurai was the start of something I have never imagined.

I had, undeniably, fallen in love with her. She was oblivious to this and seeing her again today only deepened my affection. I wasn't sure when I realised I had feelings for this girl but I was beginning to think that perhaps I'd never see her again...

Was today's meeting a stroke of luck in which I had unconsciously used? Wanting something more between us but fearing the consequences of such an action, I kept my feelings at bay.

"Want to eat some dango?"

"I can't possibly ask-"

"We're friends, aren't we?"

She gently slipped her hand out of my grasp, undoubtedly creating a giant tear in my heart.

"...I'm sorry but you should find someone else," she exclaimed quietly.

"(Y/n)..."

"My sister and I...we have...nothing-"

"Do you think I care about status and wealth?"

"Of course...who wouldn't? Every time I see a wealthy man boast his fortune, I can't help but-"

I walked towards her and pulled her closer, leaning in for a kiss. She seemed shocked by my actions but I simply deepened the kiss, feeling her back up until she came in contact with the wall of a building.

I reluctantly pulled away, seeing her face flushed and indiscernible emotions hidden in her eyes. She touched her lips, her big eyes never leaving my face as she searched for something, a clue...something to explain my actions.

"(Y/n), I love you. I don't care about the kind of family you come from...so please...I only need one chance."

"Harada...i-if you're really okay with it then...sure."

I smiled before leaning down to kiss her again.